Knight-Bagehot Curriculum
The Knight-Bagehot Fellowship is an academic program. Fellows are enrolled in classes offered by Columbia University and receive grades for their work. All fellows who successfully complete the program earn a Certificate in Economics and Business Journalism.
To earn this certificate, fellows must complete at least 30 hours of university credit during their two semesters. Fellows typically take most classes at Columbia Business School or through the Law School and School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
The most commonly chosen courses cover such subjects as microeconomics, macroeconomics, accounting, corporate finance, business law, international economics, marketing, business finance, securities analysis and media management. Many of these courses count as credit for those considering applying to the Business School to stay a second year, on their own, to complete a Master’s in Business Administration.
Fellows choose one of two tracks:
- MBA Experience: Fellows are embedded in the entering class of Columbia Business School. They take core classes such as corporate finance, accounting and economics, along with electives in business and journalism. This is the preferred choice of most Knight-Bagehot fellows, and you must choose this track if you hope to apply to return for a second year to finish the full MBA.
- General Business: Fellows take only half their classes in the Business School, and they must find business and economics classes at other schools at Columbia University such as the Law School and SIPA. They might sometimes encounter waiting lists and prerequisites to get into these classes. They must present a plan of study to the Director that indicates which classes they will take.
All fellows, no matter which track, attend Knight-Bagehot seminars once a week at the Journalism School and get course credit for doing so. These seminars primarily focus on journalism, the business of journalism, new business models, the role of technology in media and contemporary issues affecting journalism and the media business. The fellows also meet weekly for dinner with business executives and editors-in-chief of major media organizations to deepen their understanding of journalism and its related business ecosystem.
Because of the demanding nature of the curriculum, fellows are not permitted to take on any outside assignments, including at their current employer or freelance, while classes are in session.
Which Track is Best for You?
Coursework:
- Most classes (21 credits) in the business school
- 3 Knight-Bagehot seminar credits
- 6 subject-related credits anywhere at the University
Who should choose this?
Applicants who want to deepen their technical skills and understanding of fundamental business practices. This track essentially embeds you in the Business School and allows you to take the deepest dive in the core Business School curriculum. You will be part of a Business School cluster and learning team and will be able to take part in Business School trips, clubs and activities. This is the preferred choice of most Knight-Bagehot fellows. If you think you might want to apply to continue for the MBA degree, this is your track.
Coursework:
- Fewer classes (15 credits) in the business school
- 3 Knight-Bagehot seminar credits
- 12 business-related credits anywhere at the University
Who should choose this?
Applicants who are willing to do more work to hunt down business and economics classes outside the Business School. Just a warning: many classes at the University fill up early, are not open to students outside the major or require prerequisites that you might not have. Because of this, you must present a plan of study to the Director outlining the courses you want to take and how they relate to the overall goals of the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship.